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The relief needs of cyclone victims in Myanmar and earthquake survivors in China are prompting responses from many Roanoke churches that point out both their generosity and yet, some concern.

The Rev. Tim Harvey, pastor of Central Church of the Brethren in downtown Roanoke, said his Elgin, Ill.-based domination's general board on Tuesday approved a $35,000 grant for Myanmar, in addition to $5,000 sent earlier. Further grants are expected soon for disaster relief in China and to help in the recently tornado-damaged central United States, said Harvey, who is chairman of the national Brethren board.

Like some other denominations, Church of the Brethren maintains a disaster relief fund to be ready for quick action, rather than waiting for special offerings to come in on Sunday mornings. Church of the Brethren tries to keep the balance of its relief fund at $1 million.

At Roanoke's Second Presbyterian Church, the Rev. George Anderson detailed a response that's both at the local and national denomination level. His church took up a special collection on Sunday, which Anderson said was admittedly small, probably $50 or so. "I'm sure it's because of the concerns about whether the money is going to get to the right place," he said.

Indeed, news reports about international aid to Myanmar being stolen, diverted or warehoused by the nation's army may have discouraged many potential donors. The Presbyterian Disaster Assistance center in Louisville, Ky., is seeking to allay the unease with a message on its Web site asserting that the organization officials will "move relief aid into Myanmar only when they are confident the situation is secure."

When that assurance is gained, Anderson said, his congregation's response will be enthusiastic, as it has been after other natural disasters. For example, Second Presbyterian raised more than $4,400 to help hurricane victims in the Dominican Republic last year. In 2005, Second Presbyterian collected $11,270 for survivors of the tsunami that wreaked havoc in Indonesia and elsewhere in Asia.

And after Katrina struck the U.S. in 2005, Anderson said, Second Presbyterian not only raised $21,800 but sponsored five mission trips -- with more than 40 volunteers -- to the Gulf Coast in cooperation with St. John's Episcopal Church in Roanoke and Blacksburg Presbyterian Church.